The unprecedented U.S. strikes on Iranian soil put Türkiye on edge as Ankara already seeks a diplomatic resolution to the battle between Israel and Iran.
“As Türkiye, we have always drawn attention to the risk of the conflict that started with Israeli aggression in the region spreading and the destabilization of the security environment. The attack by the U.S. on Iran’s nuclear facilities today (June 22) has maximized this risk,” a press release issued by the Foreign Ministry stated Sunday.
The assertion got here shortly after Iran’s international minister delivered a stern warning to the United States in Istanbul the place he attended a summit of international ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
“Türkiye is deeply concerned about the possible consequences of the U.S. attack on the nuclear facilities of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The ongoing developments could cause the regional conflict to escalate to a global level,” the Turkish ministry added. “We don’t need this catastrophic situation to come back to life.”
It additionally referred to as on all events concerned to “act responsibly, mutually cease attacks immediately and avoid steps that could lead to further loss of life and destruction.”
“The only way to resolve the dispute over Iran’s nuclear program is through negotiations. We call on the international community to support efforts to find a diplomatic solution between the parties,” it stated. Türkiye additionally voiced its readiness to satisfy its duties and “make constructive contributions.”
Although it’s not occasion to the dispute between Iran and world powers over Tehran’s nuclear program, nor to the Iran-Israel battle that continues after U.S. strikes, Türkiye has so much at stake as a regional energy and a neighbor of Iran. Unlike its allies within the West, it has defended Iran’s proper to self-defense and slammed Israel’s coverage of expansionism that now has its sights on Iran. Turkish leaders have repeatedly warned that Israel’s subsequent goal could also be Türkiye if its regional aggression is just not stopped. Indeed, Israel views Türkiye as an opponent and sometimes points veiled threats to Turkish management for its unwavering help to Palestinians struggling underneath the Israeli assaults since 2023. Türkiye additionally maintains shut ties with its NATO ally the United States.
Justice and Development Party (AK Party) spokesperson Ömer Çelik stated in a social media submit on Sunday that worst-case eventualities could be triggered if conflicts unfold throughout the area. “The danger of expansion of conflicts in our region emerged after U.S. attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities,” he warned.
Çelik stated Israel’s aggression, making an attempt to set your entire area on fireplace, posed a risk to everybody. Çelik reiterated that President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has performed complete diplomacy after Israel’s assaults on Iran earlier this month and held talks with regional and world leaders. “In this context, it was emphasized that the negotiation table is the only solution. Our president expressed readiness for peace diplomacy and hosting talks to that extent. His assessment since the very beginning of the conflict proved true. From now on, negotiations should be central (to the solution of the issue),” he stated.
Erdoğan on Saturday urged higher unity amongst Islamic international locations to withstand Israeli actions and rising regional instability as he warned of makes an attempt to impose a “new Sykes-Picot order” in the Middle East. “We is not going to permit the institution of a brand new Sykes-Picot order in our area with borders to be drawn in blood,” Erdoğan stated on the 51st Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the OIC in Istanbul.
The president expressed confidence within the resilience of the Iranian folks amid the present battle with Israel. “We have no doubt that the Iranian people, with their solidarity in the face of difficulties and strong state experience, will hopefully overcome these days,” he stated. He additionally expressed his condolences on behalf of Türkiye to these killed in Israeli bombings and assassinations focusing on Iranian residents.
He strongly condemned Israel’s latest assaults on Iran, emphasizing that Iran’s proper to self-defense within the face of state terrorism is pure, authentic, and authorized. Erdoğan described Israel’s strikes on Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen, Syria, and Iran as acts of “banditry,” warning that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s authorities poses the best impediment to peace within the area. He additionally urged Islamic international locations to face agency towards Israel’s actions past Gaza. “We must show greater solidarity to stop Israel’s acts of banditry not only in Palestine but also in Syria, Lebanon, and Iran,” Erdoğan added.
He underscored that the present interval of shifting balances and fragile politics requires the Islamic world to unite. He stated the OIC should clearly categorical its stance towards Israeli insurance policies which have plunged the area into chaos and urged member states to strengthen tolerance and solidarity. Erdoğan careworn, no matter sect or ethnicity, all Muslims share the identical qibla and future and should put aside variations to confront frequent challenges.
Erdoğan emphasised that the OIC, because the second-largest worldwide group after the U.N., should grow to be simpler, function a software for growth, and be higher organized to handle present and future challenges.
He reiterated that Türkiye’s OIC chairmanship begins throughout a time when Israeli aggression once more threatens stability and peace within the area. He careworn {that a} multipolar world requires the Islamic world to grow to be a pole of its personal, taking over higher accountability and taking part in a extra distinguished position in world affairs. Erdoğan concluded by saying that Muslims should resolve inner disagreements with their very own knowledge and can, asserting that the Islamic world has the capability and willpower to seek out options to each subject that impacts its future.
In the meantime, Türkiye stays on alert towards the potential spillover of the battle. Officials say the military is vigilant and border safety measures are in place in mild of the most recent developments. Erdoğan additionally not too long ago underlined that Türkiye’s protection capabilities have been considerably strengthened because of the groundbreaking efforts of the native protection trade, which recorded a dramatic enchancment prior to now 20 years, from the event of long-range missiles to unmanned aerial autos.
Source: www.dailysabah.com